Mobile Technology News, Views and Reviews

As I prepare for a long-overdue family vacation that begins the middle of next week, I wanted to make certain that we provide everyone with early notification of our next user group meeting.

The next meeting will be held on Wednesday, October 17th, 2007 starting at 6:30 PM at the Microsoft offices in Waltham, MA (201 Jones Road, 6th floor).

The featured presentation will be "Windows Mobile User/IT Pro Security - Soup To Nuts". In August, we featured a security session focused on application developers and the various Windows Mobile security models. Now we turn our attention to what individuals and IT professionals can do to secure devices. Among the topics discussed will be:

Password essentials

Encryption

VPN

Windows Mobile policies

Exchange 2003 and 2007 Windows Mobile security features

As always, attendance is free and no registration is required. I look forward to seeing you there!

Well, the announcement of EchoStar's acquisition of Sling Media hasn't slowed down what has already been in the works for some time. Sling Media today announced the release of a really slick-looking new Slingbox and support for Symbian S60 platform with SlingPlayer Mobile -

Foster City, CA — September 27, 2007— Sling Media, Inc., a leading digital lifestyle products company, today announced the retail launch of the new Slingbox™ SOLO, a freshly designed new Slingbox that can connect to a standard definition or high definition set top box and features increased streaming performance for less than $200. Slingbox SOLO transforms PCs, laptops, Macs and a variety of smartphones into personal, portable TVs and builds upon the goals of the original Slingbox – giving consumers the freedom to view their home cable, satellite or digital video recorder (DVR) programming on a wide range of devices anywhere they can access the Internet. Slingbox SOLO is available in retail stores and at www.slingmedia.com for a suggested retail price of $179.99.

”Consumers are becoming increasingly aware of the benefits of place-shifting their favorite TV and DVR programming, and are demanding products that are both attractively designed and future-proof as they look to upgrade their TV service from standard definition to HD in the coming year. Slingbox SOLO has all of the right features built-in, making it an ideal fit for a wide range of customer needs,” said Blake Krikorian, co-founder, chairman and CEO of Sling Media. “The Slingbox SOLO fits the digital media needs of both new and existing customers, giving them the flexibility and capability to enjoy personalized content from any of their home entertainment devices - virtually anywhere.”

Slingbox SOLO is designed to meet the varied requirements of today’s multi-faceted TV-viewing households. The product includes standard (4:3) and widescreen (16:9) video support and increased streaming performance (full VGA resolution, up to 8Mbps around the home). Slingbox SOLO accepts inputs from either standard definition or high definition set top boxes, giving customers the ability to connect virtually any Audio/Video device via component video, S-Video or composite video connectors and features integrated looping outputs for each input.

Slingbox SOLO will be available nationwide through Sling Media’s retail partners, including Amazon.com, Best Buy, Buy.com, Circuit City, CompUSA, Fry’s, J&R and Micro Center as well aswww.slingmedia.com for a suggested retail price of $179.99.

Sling Media also announced a new version of its SlingPlayer Mobile software today that is compatible with smartphones that run S60 software on Symbian OS™ including Nokia Nseries and Eseries devices. Customers who purchase an N95 receive a free version of the SlingPlayer Mobile software, a $29.99 value. For a list of compatible smartphones and more details on the Nokia N95 offer, please visit www.slingmedia.com/go/nokia.

I like the thinking on the feature set and price point for the SOLO. Position it between the AV and the PRO, provide built-in component connections for high definition and price it in an attractive fashion. All this and just in time for the holidays

I wish I could take this as an indicator that things will not change now that Sling Media is a part of EchoStar (as I mentioned in my post earlier this week). However, both the SOLO and the S60 SlingPlayer Mobile have been in the works for quite a while. I still hold the hope that EchoStar's acquisition does not result in a change of direction for Sling Media's independent hardware. The ability for Slingboxes to work with just about any other piece of hardware out there has always been a huge plus for the consumer.

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. and FOSTER CITY, Calif., September 24, 2007 – EchoStar Communications Corporation (NASDAQ: DISH) announced today that it has agreed to acquire Sling Media, Inc., a privately-held digital lifestyle products company. EchoStar, through its DISH Network®, is the third largest pay-TV provider in the United States. The transaction values Sling Media at approximately $380 million and is payable in cash and EchoStar options. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, and is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2007.

Established in 2004, Sling Media has been a leading innovator in the digital lifestyle space through the introduction of the internationally-acclaimed, Emmy award-winning Slingbox™ and SlingPlayer™ software. Sling Media’s product line is distributed in over 5,000 retail stores in 11 countries.

In 2006, Sling Media created the Sling Entertainment Group with the mission of developing entertainment experiences and business models that reach beyond the Slingbox. The group also fosters and manages relationships with content creators and owners. Its first initiative, Clip+Sling™, dramatically changes the way consumers socialize around TV by enabling users to clip and share limited segments of their favorite television programming.

“As an early investor in Sling Media, EchoStar has been pleased with the progress and commitment the company has made establishing Sling Media and the Slingbox as powerful and beloved digital media brands,” said Charlie Ergen, CEO and co-founder of EchoStar. “With today’s increasingly mobile lifestyle, EchoStar’s acquisition of Sling Media will allow us to offer innovative and convenient ways for our customers to enjoy their programming on more displays and locations, including TVs, computers and mobile phones, both inside and outside of the home. This combination paves the way for the development of a host of new innovative products and services for our subscribers, new digital media consumers and strategic partners.”

“We are psyched to make this announcement. We have worked closely with EchoStar for more than two years, and have come to realize that both companies have similar entrepreneurial cultures and mutual dedication and passion for creating empowering experiences that benefit the consumer and the media industry,” said Blake Krikorian, co-founder, chairman and CEO of Sling Media. “By combining strategies, resources and technologies with EchoStar, Sling Media will be able to rapidly expand our open multi-platform product offerings, not only for DISH Network subscribers, but for digital media enthusiasts around the globe.”

If the folks at Sling Media are happy, then I am happy for them. I can only hope that this new chapter for Sling Media is one that benefits all Slingbox users. I have found myself becoming cynical in recent times regarding acquisitions that supposedly benefit both consumer parties, yet result in only bettering the side of the consumer who happens to own technology from the company making the purchase. Here is to hoping that this acquisition changes my perception.

INTRODUCTION:As some of you out there may already know, I have long been a HUGE fan of ProClip USA's car holder solutions for my Windows Mobile phones and other devices. For those that are unaware of ProClip, this is a wonderful two-part mounting solution. The Proclip Mounting Bracket is a solution tailor-made for your specific year, make and model of vehicle. This bracket then is utilized by Pro Clip's line of device holders, again tailor-specifically to your device.

Over the years, I have managed to accumulate a number of device holders to handle my wide and varied Windows Mobile devices. While the ProClip solution was flexible enough to allow me to change holders with relative ease, the solution did require me to unscrew the currently-used device holder and then screw the newly-needed device holder into place. While not a difficult process, it did require a few minutes of time and limited the ability to change devices "on-the-fly". Now, that has all changed.

One of the newer additions to the ProClip line is the Move Clip solution. By attaching a female connector to your bracket and male connectors to device holders, you can now quickly change devices with a minimum of effort. The solution works for multiple devices for a single vehicle, one device for multiple vehicles (if ProClip Mounting Brackets are installed in more than one car), or (my scenario) multiple devices for multiple vehicles. My wife's use of the i-mate SP5m Smartphone became the perfect testing ground for this total solution.

HIGHLIGHTS:

Mounting brackets are tailor-made to your vehicle and take only minutes to install;

Setting up the Move Clip solution requires minimal effort;

Ultimate reliability and flexibility for multiple devices.

THE PROCLIP MOUNTING BRACKETThe ProClip Mounting Bracket is an incredibly customized solution designed to meet the wide variances common amongst vehicles. While there area a number of device mounting solutions, most are very generic and place limitations on where the device can be mounted, as well as the aesthetic results of the installation. To give you an idea of the variances that exist and how ProClip actually leverages them with their solutions, I give to you the example of my two family vehicles.

Vehicle #1 - 2004 Dodge NeonAn ideal placement for this vehicle lies near a small tray area near of the top of the dashboard. ProClip has designed a mounting bracket that leverages this area and provides a solid device support.

I have had this installation for a couple of years now, and absolutely love it for ease of access. My mounting bracket installation literally took less than a minute using ProClip's gap opening tools (more on this shortly). Prior to the ProClip MoveClip solution, attaching the device holder to the bracket took about a minute or two using the two provided screws.

With the new Move Clips (see installation below), I can slide out device holders in seconds!

INSTALLATION:To demonstrate the installation, I decided to use my wife's vehicle. I knew that this would be a bit more of an installation challenge.

Vehicle #2 - 2002 Hyundai Santa FeMy wife's vehicle best lent itself to a bracket installation that was actually in a seam in the console, just to the left of the stereo system. Before installation, I carefully went over the detailed instructions provided in the package.

I have often told people over the years that the folks at ProClip are truly "Masters of the Seams". Their mounting solutions are designed to leverage the seams in vehicles dashboards and are tailored to lock into place whenever possible. To open up a seam for installation, ProClip provides one or more (in this case, two) "gap tools". These are basically plastic awls that allow you to open the seam enough to place the mounting bracket in its proper location.

After opening up the seam, I had the task of Putting the bracket into place. In this installation, I paid careful attention to the instructions. They explained how I would move the upper part of the bracket into place, then apply pressure on the lower part of the bracket while pushing towards the steering console until feeling the channel part of the bracket snap into place. Sure enough, I got it to lock in. It did take a few attempts and an overcoming of some skepticism, but the instructions worked perfectly.

I had previously attached the female Move Clip to the bracket and my wife's SP5m device holder (see below) leaving only to slide things into place. As expected, no problems!

Of course, after removing the gap tools I tested the bracket for a solid connection. Even with moderate pressure, I could not get the bracket to move an inch (which is exactly as it should be).

Overall, I once again found myself very satisfied with the entire ProClip installation experience.

THE PROCLIP HOLDER AND MOVE CLIP

INSTALLATION:The Move Clip is a two-part installation. The packaging includes the Move Clips, detailed instructions and associated hardware. The hardware includes screws for mounting and a surface cleaning wipe if the attached adhesive is used instead of screws. Personally, I always choose the screws for mounting as I prefer the peace of mind that a more permanent mounting option provides.

The key advantage that the Move Clip solution provides over the standard ProClip vehicle bracket/device holder combination is the to easily replace the device holders without the need to unscrew and re-screw the holders into place. The Move Clip uses a female/male pairing to provide a channel that allows you to slide device holders in and out, all while holding the device holder (and device) firmly in place.

What specifically is shipped depends on what you order with regards to your Move Clip needs. There are a number of options available. One option includes one female Move Clip (mounted to the ProClip bracket) and two male Move Clip (mounted to your device holders), which is perfect for the multi-device/single-car scenario. Another option includes the opposite; two female Move Clips and a single male Move Clip for the single-device/multi-car scenario.

Installation typically only takes a matter of minutes. You will need to provide a small screwdriver; the rest is in the package. The instructions are very detailed and are accompanied with lots of photographs, making installation an easy-to-understand process. I actually performed two installations; one for my existing ProClip bracket in my vehicle, and a new bracket for my wife. I had no problem installing either. I did not have to remove the bracket in my car to add the female Move Clip. For my wife's bracket, I simply added the female Move Clip before installing the bracket.

Adding the male Move Clip is also quite simple, and took less than a minute to get into place.

Just to see how everything would work together, locked in the Move Clips using my wife's mounting bracket before installing it in her car.

ProClip: The Driving ExperienceThe final and perhaps most importance test of the ProClip system is how it holds up to driving. This tests the firmness of the bracket install and (in the case of the Move Clips) reliability of the bracket-to-device holder connection.

I can speak from a great deal of experience that the ProClip device holders are among the best in the business. Built with the same level of customization as their mounting brackets, ProClip device holders firmly hold their devices in place firmly. Devices slide in and out of channels to make for accessibility while providing that needed grip. Having been a longtime user of a number of ProClip device holders, I can say without a doubt that the driving experience is nothing less than stellar. No device movement and no vibration sounds from either the bracket or the holder. After adding the new Move Clips into the equation, I was eager to see if there were any changes in the experience. I am happy to report nothing has changed here. There are still no issues with movement or sound.

CONCLUSIONS:If you are looking for a tailor-made device mounting solution for your phone or other device, ProClip should be at the top of your list. If you own more than one device or wish to have a mounting solution for more than one vehicle, ProClip becomes an even more desirable option. Years of experience with ProClip solutions have left me nothing but the highest praise for their quality and reliability.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:Prices and availability vary by vehicle, device and solution. Check out ProClip USA for more information.

Just a quick reminder - the next Club Pocket PC - Boston meeting will be held tomorrow, September 19th, starting at 6:30 PM at the Microsoft offices in Waltham, MA. The featured presentation is entitled "Mobile Web Development 101".

They all look pretty cool to me. I am probably one of the few people left who still likes and would get the original "non smartphone" PDA. I am addicted to GPS and was noticing from what I read that the new travel companion does not have WiFi as in their original version. I thought the original version that had GPS, BT and Wifi was the bomb. I guess I will need to start saving my pennies and updating my Christmas List.

I saw this in my email yesterday. An updated version of Phatnotes out. Details are below.

PhatWare Corp. announces today, the release of PhatNotes 5.0, the next generation of the company's award-winning notes organizer software for Microsoft Windows based desktop computers and Windows Mobile smartphones.

PhatNotes, a winner of Smartphone and Pocket PC magazine's Best Software Awards in the notes category for six consecutive years as well as other industry awards, is one of the most popular Pocket PC and Smartphone notetaking applications on the market. PhatNotes allows users to create notes and organize them by type, subject, creation, and modification date. The software provides powerful text search with regular expression support, document security, and email capabilities.

Unlike previous versions of PhatNotes, the new version will not include multiple editions of the software. Instead, there will be only one edition of PhatNotes that supports both Standard (non-touch screen) and Professional (touch screen) devices and includes the desktop software and the synchronization module for ActiveSync and Windows Mobile Device Center for Windows Vista.

1. PhatSpell - Multilingual spell checker (US English dictionary is included, dictionaries for other supported languages can be downloaded) 2. Support for rich text formatting (Windows Mobile 5.0 or later)

Professional (Touch Screen) specific

1. Added new buttons and second toolbar for the Note Editor dialog 2. Added new text formatting features (Windows Mobile 5.0 or later) 3. Improved handling of user reminders (alarms)

Purchasing and Upgrade information----------------------------------

PhatNotes 5.0 list price is $39.95. A free 30-day trial version of PhatNotes 5.0 is also available and can be downloaded from the PhatWare web site. For more information and to download or purchase PhatNotes, please visit http://www.phatware.com/phatnotes